My philosophy when entertaining is to have my guests feel welcome, cared for and invited. I like to create a simple elegance with the ambiance, décor and food.

I serve is flavorful food that echoes the colors of my theme, and I like for my guests to be delighted and surprised by the design elements. I also aim for my home to be warm and upbeat with a relaxed environment while introducing friends, old and new.

Incorporating rustic materials, such as textured wood, and glass serving trays with boxwood plants create a mix of rustic with a transitional edge.

(Photo: Tracy Barbutes/special to the RGJ)

Rustic elegance

The inspiration for a rustic table setting is from my work as an interior designer, working with clients who desire interiors that have a rustic modern or mountain modern aesthetic.

Incorporating rustic materials, such as textured wood, and glass serving trays with boxwood plants, creates a mix of rustic with a transitional edge. This is a great way to use serving cloches that might already be a part of your kitchen collection, and pairing them with plants and displayed in a creative way they would not typically be used.

I used linen napkins with printed script for this table setting. The linen fabric balances the polished dinnerware and shine on the copper stemless glasses and flatware. The copper accents really accentuate the rustic woods tones and textures.

The final touch was adding greenery to each place setting.

Incorporating rustic materials, such as textured wood, and glass serving trays with boxwood plants create a mix of rustic with a transitional edge.

Burst of yellow, burst of spring

I love this tablescape because when I look at it, I feel like spring is on its way. This table features sunny lemons, cabbages and creamy white silk tulips. The complementary blue wall really makes the lemony yellow pop. Sunny placemats are a nice backdrop for the flatware to shimmer.

When designing centerpiece elements with heights, remember 14 inches tall or lower is a good rule of thumb so your guests can see over said centerpieces when seated at table.

Sunny placemats are a nice backdrop for the flatware to shimmer.

(Photo: Tracy Barbutes/special to the RGJ)

Whether setting a table for two or 20, it is best to simply repeat your design, patterns, textures and florals throughout your table. I also like to add elements from the table into other rooms where my guests will spend time — this provides a cohesive feel from room to room with a coordinated design and color theme.

Contemporary ceramic bunnies give the feel of Easter, as well as fresh baby pink tea roses and white hydrangeas in a clear glass cylinder to complement the rosebud plates.

(Photo: Tracy Barbutes/special to the RGJ)

Vintage old-world charm

This tablescape has old-world charm with modern touches. In this way, it doesn’t feel out of date or stuffy. I was inspired by the pink depression-ware goblets and wanted a plate to match. I grew up with depression glass on our holiday tables and occasionally, it finds its way into my designs.

I have three layers of plates: a base of vintage pink pattern with rosebuds, white lattice china and a salad plate of modern blue/gray. Layering your plates creates interest and keeps your design fresh. I incorporated some contemporary ceramic bunnies to give the feel of Easter, as well as fresh baby pink tea roses and white hydrangeas in a clear glass cylinder to complement the rosebud plates.

This tablescape has old-world charm with modern touches.

(Photo: Tracy Barbutes/special to the RGJ)

WHERE TO BUY:

Table, chairs, pillows, rug, gold flatware: West Elm

Ceramic bunnies: Freckled Frog

Dessert stand: Home Goods

White lace plates and napkins: Pier 1 Imports

China and goblets: Personal collection

Flowers: St. Ives Florist

The focal point for this table is the turquoise metal birdhouse and modern metal spheres; it has dishes that are layered atop gray place mats and mirrored chargers.

(Photo: Tracy Barbutes/special to the RGJ)

The quintessential Easter table

The focal point for this table is the turquoise metal birdhouse and modern metal spheres; it has dishes that are layered atop gray place mats and mirrored chargers. The gray-faceted juice glasses bring the grays together including the flatware and gray bubble vases accentuated with a single pink tulip.

And a classic Easter brunch table needs a touch of bunnies: A small bunny sits in the birdcage while a glittery bunny balances out the table balance with its size and height. The light gray runner is adorned with chenille rabbits.

This table is fun and whimsical -- the centerpiece is a metal tin container resembling a wheelbarrow filled with farm fresh eggs.